Philadelphia to New Orleans by Train

Travel from William H. Gray III 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, PA to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal in New Orleans, LA on the Crescent. Approximately 1,246 miles in 25h 5m.

About this trip

The Crescent connects Philadelphia and New Orleans directly, with no transfer required. The train operates daily, and the segment between these two stations is one of 91 origin-destination pairs we catalog on this route.

Coverage of approximately 1,246 rail miles takes about 25h 5m on a typical schedule. Actual travel time varies with the specific train number, time of day, equipment used, and seasonal speed restrictions. Trains may run faster on the daylight schedules and slower at peak demand on shared-use trackage. A more granular schedule comparison can be found in independent corridor timetable reviews updated each season.

Things to look out for: Piedmont rolling hills between Charlotte and Atlanta; the long stretch through the Tombigbee and Pearl River basins of central Mississippi.

Fares and ticketing

One-way fares between Philadelphia and New Orleans typically run between $108 and $542. The lower end represents Saver-bucket advance-purchase coach fares, while the upper end approximates same-day walk-up fares or premium-class buckets. Sleeping car accommodations on overnight runs of the Crescent, when offered, are sold separately from rail fare and increase total ticket cost substantially.

RailRover does not sell tickets. To book this trip, visit the operating carrier (Amtrak) directly. Discounted fares are typically available with advance purchase, on midweek departures, and through loyalty programs. Several travelers track historical fare patterns on the corridor fare-watch newsletter to time their bookings.

Stations along the way

Between Philadelphia and New Orleans, the Crescent calls at the following stations. Some trains may operate as "limited-stop" schedules and skip certain intermediate calls; check the published timetable for your departure.

• William H. Gray III 30th Street Station — Philadelphia, PA PHL
• Joseph R. Biden Jr. Railroad Station — Wilmington, DE WIL
• Baltimore Penn Station — Baltimore, MD BAL
• Washington Union Station — Washington, DC WAS
• Alexandria, VA — Alexandria, VA ALX
• Manassas — Manassas, VA MSS
• Culpeper — Culpeper, VA COP
• Charlottesville Union Station — Charlottesville, VA CVS
• Lynchburg Kemper Street — Lynchburg, VA LYH
• Greensboro — Greensboro, NC GRO
• High Point — High Point, NC HPT
• Salisbury — Salisbury, NC SAL
• Charlotte — Charlotte, NC CLT
• Atlanta Peachtree — Atlanta, GA ATL
• Anniston — Anniston, AL ANN
• Birmingham — Birmingham, AL BHM
• Tuscaloosa — Tuscaloosa, AL TCL
• Meridian — Meridian, MS MEI
• Hattiesburg — Hattiesburg, MS HBG
• New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal — New Orleans, LA NOL

Getting to William H. Gray III 30th Street Station and from New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal

Both stations are accessible by local public transit, taxi, and rideshare. William H. Gray III 30th Street Station sits in Philadelphia, PA; arrival at New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal places you in New Orleans, LA. Transfers from the platform to onward bus, light rail, or rideshare are well marked at the major hubs along this route. For specific transit connections at either station, see our station guides linked above.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the train from Philadelphia to New Orleans take?

Approximately 25h 5m on a typical schedule, covering about 1,246 miles.

Is there a direct train?

Yes — the Crescent operates daily with no required transfer for this city pair.

How much does the ticket cost?

Approximately $108 to $542 for a one-way coach ticket. Premium classes and sleeping car accommodations cost more.

Can I bring a bicycle or pet?

Most long-distance and corridor trains accept checked or carry-on bicycles and small pets in carriers, with route-specific rules. Confirm with Amtrak at the time of booking.